How to Combine a Vacation with a Foreign Business Trip

This article will cover:

Primarily Business
Primarily Vacation
Special Circumstances
Foreign Conventions, Seminars and Meetings
Cruise Ships
Spousal Travel Expenses

The Difference Between Business, Vacation, and Business and Vacation Travel

When an individual makes a business trip outside of the U.S. and the trip is 100% devoted to business, all of the ordinary and necessary business travel expenses are deductible, just as if the business trip were within the U.S.

On the other hand, if the trip also incorporates a vacation, special rules determine the deductibility of the travel expenses to and from the destination. Let’s review these rules so your next vacation you take to Europe or a more exotic locale will be within the tax laws.

The Difference Between Primarily Vacation and Primarily Business

Primarily Vacation – If the travel is primarily for vacation and only a few hours are spent attending professional seminars or meeting with foreign business colleagues, none of the expenses incurred in traveling to and from the general business location are deductible. Other travel expenses must be allocated on a day-by-day basis, and only the business portion is deductible.

Primarily Business – If the trip is primarily for business and meets one of the conditions listed below, the expenses incurred in traveling to and from the business destination are deductible in full (same as for travel within the U.S.).

The travel outside the U.S. is for a period of one week or less (seven consecutive days, excluding the departure day but including the day of return). In addition, all other ordinary and necessary travel expenses are fully deductible.
Less than 25% of the total time outside the U.S. is spent on non-business activities. In addition, all other ordinary and necessary travel expenses are fully deductible. (If 25% of more of the total time is spent on non-business activities, a day-by-day allocation of all travel expenses between personal and business activities is necessary and only the business portion is deductible.)
The individual incurring the travel expenses can establish that a personal vacation or holiday was not a major consideration. In addition, all other ordinary and necessary travel expenses are fully deductible.
The taxpayer did not have “substantial control” over arranging the trip. In addition, all other ordinary and necessary travel expenses are fully deductible.

What’s the Difference Between Business and Non-Business Time When Traveling?

When determining what constitutes business and non-business time, business days include: days en route to or from the business destination by a reasonably direct route without interruption; days when actual business is transacted; weekends or standby days that fall between business days; and days when business was to have been transacted but was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.

Nonbusiness days are days spent on nonbusiness activities as well as weekends, holidays and other standby days that fall at the end of the business activity, if the taxpayer remains at the business destination for personal reasons.

Attending a Meeting Outside the US – Is its Deductible?

Foreign Conventions, Seminars or Meetings – Tax law does not permit a deduction for travel expenses to attend a convention, seminar or similar meeting held outside of the North American area unless the taxpayer establishes that:

The meeting is directly related to the active conduct of the taxpayer’s trade or business, and
It is “as reasonable” for the meeting to be held outside of the North American area as it is within the North American area.

The IRS defines “North American area” quite broadly and includes not just the U.S., Canada and Mexico, as you would expect, but also Bermuda, several countries in the Caribbean basin, U.S. possessions such as American Samoa and other Pacific island nations, and some Central American countries as well.

Can I Deduct My Convention on a Cruise Ship?

Cruise Ship Conventions – In order for a taxpayer to deduct the cost of attending a convention related to his or her trade or business on a cruise ship, the ship must be a U.S. flagship, and all the ports of call must be within the U.S. or its possessions. In addition, the maximum deduction is limited to $2,000 per attendee. Substantiation requirements include certain signed statements by the both the taxpayer and an officer of the convention sponsor.

Can I Deduct My Spouses Travel Expenses When Traveling for Business?

Spousal* Travel Expenses – Generally, deductions are denied for travel expenses for a spouse, dependent or employee of the taxpayer on a business trip unless:

The spouse is an employee of the taxpayer, and
The travel of the spouse, etc., is for a bona fide business purpose, and
The expenses would otherwise be a deductible business travel expense for the spouse.

*These rules also apply to a dependent or employee of the taxpayer.

However, the law allows a deduction for the single rate for lodging on qualified business trips, and frequently, there is no rate difference between one and two occupants. Thus, virtually the entire lodging expense for an accompanying spouse will be deductible. When traveling by car, the law does not require any allocation because the spouse is also traveling in the vehicle. Thus, if traveling by vehicle, the entire cost of the business-related transportation would be deductible. This would generally also apply to taxis at the destination.

Ready for a Vacation After Trying to Figure All of This Out?

As you can see, determining the tax deduction for a foreign business trip that is combined with a vacation can be complicated. If you need additional tax guidance or help planning such a trip, please give us a call at (415) 455-9455.

Author
Recent Posts

Brandon Dante

Brandon, is a well-seasoned accountant and heads up the team with 25+ years of senior accounting experience. He holds an Accounting degree with a Minor in Business Administration and a Masters in Accounting. He maintains several certifications and holds various industry related licenses in tax preparation and planning. When Brandon isn't in the office, you'll find this avid dog and animal lover supporting various Bay Area - and beyond - animal charities.